Reflex sympathetic dystrophy is another name for which condition?

• A. Polymyalgia rheumatica
• B. Peripheral neuropathy
• C. Carpal tunnel syndrome
• D. Complex regional pain syndrome

Answer: (D)

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy is the older name for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, a chronic pain condition that typically follows a limb injury. It presents with severe, persistent pain that is out of proportion to findings on exam, along with sensory changes such as allodynia and hyperalgesia, as well as autonomic and trophic changes like temperature and color differences, edema, sweating, and sometimes motor dysfunction. This combination of intense pain with autonomic and skin/tissue changes is what defines CRPS, so the historical term RSD is essentially the same disorder under a different label. There are two broad forms: CRPS type I, which occurs without a confirmed nerve injury (the classic “RSD” scenario), and CRPS type II, which is associated with a known nerve injury. Other conditions listed do not capture this specific pattern of disproportionate pain plus autonomic and trophic changes after injury. So reflex sympathetic dystrophy is the same condition as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.